This opportunity is intended for minority-owned small businesses that have been in business for at least one year, and that may need financial assistance to stabilize the business operation. This opportunity is not intended for larger minority-owned businesses that are thriving in a manner so as to be able to have employees and even consider growth or expansion. A total of $50,000 will be awarded. Ten grants will be funded from the $50,000 budget. Minority-owned small businesses may apply for the below-mentioned purposes. Successful applicants will be required to sign a grant agreement outlining the grant terms and conditions prior to receiving the funds.

The purpose of the Chamber Minority Business Alliance (MBA) is to convene, support and promote minority businesses, leveraging local business and nonprofit partners to expand community wealth building. The United Way’s Vision is to connect our community, enabling individuals and families to achieve their potential. Reducing poverty in our community via alternative forms of employment, particularly for those suffering from disparities caused by systemic and historic racism, is a United Way priority.

Applications must be received no later than 12 noon, Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Applications will not be accepted after 12 noon. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the application is received on time via the online application process. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants that were recipients of the FY23 UWGC/MBA grant are not eligible to apply for FY24 but may apply in again for the FY25 grant opportunity next year.

Questions? Contact Barbara Hutchinson at bhutchinson@unitedwaycville.org or Ella Jordan at ejordan@unitedwaycville.org.

Eligibility Criteria:

1.     Sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation and must be minority-owned. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply.

2. A Minority Business Enterprise is a business that is at least 51% owned by one or more minority individuals (African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, or Native American) who are United States citizens.  (Source: Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity). 

2.     Place of business must be located within the Greater Charlottesville community [city of Charlottesville and counties of Albemarle, Greene, Orange, Louisa and Fluvanna]

3.     In business for a minimum of 12 months

4.     Annual net income less than $100,000

5.     No more than ten (10) employees

6.     Must be an active member of the Minority Business Alliance or must join Minority Business Alliance as a member prior to receipt of any of the awarded funds. Active membership creates the highest level of benefit to the recipient and therefore requires grant awardees to:

i)      Join prior to final award of the grant. Awardee will be notified of their status so they may accept and join no later than September 1, 2023. 

ii)     Attend a mandatory executive committee MBA orientation to be scheduled after the grants are awarded

iii)   Attend a minimum of 3 meetings per year. UWGC and MBA reserve the right to reject any and all future grant applications from any recipient who does not fulfill this obligation

iv)   The monetary award will be mailed to the awardees after the Executive Committee Orientation

7.     Fiscal-year 2023 award recipients must wait until the next cycle (Spring/summer 2024) to apply again

Required Documentation:

1. Proof of business organization (SCC certificate, etc.)

2. Copy of 2023 local business license

3. Calendar or fiscal year internal financial statement (e.g. profit and loss statement, balance sheet)

4. Mostly recently filed federal tax return. Form 1040 and any business schedules required. Copies of quarterly returns, state return NOT required.

5. Proposed project budget

6. Proof of membership in the Minority Business Alliance (or include a statement that proof of membership will be provided prior to receipt of the grant award)

Applicant is responsible for uploading at least 6 items.

Authorized Uses of Grant Funds:

1.     Equipment acquisition such as welding equipment, computer hardware, point-of-sale software, tools, copier, etc.

2.     Operating expenses incurred to promote the business such as website development, marketing brochures, marketing plan, ad campaign, etc. or other routine operating expenses

3.     Inventory (cost of goods sold)

4.     Grant funds may be used to join the Minority Business Alliance ($230, which includes Chamber membership). Grantees must join for one full year and must attend a minimum of 3 meetings per year (see eligibility criteria).

Taxes:

1.     Grant funds may be taxable. It is the responsibility of the grantees to consult their financial advisor or the IRS to determine their liability and file accordingly.